Thousands of higher and degree apprenticeship vacancies announced

Over 3000 higher and degree apprenticeships have been announced, giving individuals a wider choice of options for entering higher education in 2018, widening access to the professions and higher level technical skills

A range of vacancies are on offer in areas including engineering, aerospace, cyber security, nuclear science, business management, data analysis, HR, finance and media. The opportunities are available across England including Newcastle, Salford, Derby, Birmingham, Bristol, Plymouth, London and Bournemouth.

Degree apprenticeships, launched by the government in 2015, are widely considered to be a direct career pathway entering many sought after professions. The apprentice combines studying for a high-quality degree with the acquisition of key vocational skills, all whilst earning a salary from day one with tuition fees covered by the employer and government.

Skills Minister Anne Milton said:

"Higher and degree apprenticeships provide the high-level technical skills that employers need and offer young people the opportunity to earn while they learn on courses that offer a high-quality alternative career path.

"Through this government’s programme to improve both the availability and standards of higher and degree apprenticeships, learners now have more options than ever to choose a route into the profession of their choice. Whatever level someone has achieved, there is a road ahead for all apprentices to achieve more and more."

Sue Husband, Director of the National Apprenticeship Service added:

"Higher and degree apprenticeships are broadening opportunities for individuals to achieve high-level qualifications to sit alongside invaluable skills they gain from their apprenticeship. Seeing the many opportunities now available is a very exciting prospect. More and more apprentices will be achieving the high-level skills our economy needs to compete; whilst employers benefit from employees with both the practical skills and degree level knowledge required in these professions.

"The apprenticeship job roles now available at higher and degree level continue to grow and it’s extremely positive to see more and more employers advertising apprenticeship vacancies at these levels."

Alistair Jarvis, Universities UK Chief Executive, commented:

"Universities offer degree apprenticeships in partnership with employers, helping to meet the needs of our high-skilled economy. Degree apprenticeships combine studying at university with paid, on-the-job training from leading employers. Universities give degree apprentices cultural and social experiences and develop higher-level skills to serve them well whichever career they pursue."

Amy Grange, Degree Apprenticeship Graduate, Capgemini concluded:

"When I initially decided to start an apprenticeship in 2012, my parents were concerned with my choice over a pure university route. However, once they fully understood the opportunity and the qualifications, this concern diminished. I chose to do an apprenticeship due to my preference of gaining hands-on experience as early as possible in my career.

"Since joining Capgemini I have grown both personally and professionally, receiving five promotions and gaining a first class honours degree in Digital & Technology Solutions from Aston University. The skills that I have learnt have allowed me to provide great client support and to take on more challenging roles with higher levels of responsibility including managing a team."

Employers are investing more in apprenticeships and reaping the benefits they offer, as the apprenticeship levy, which came into force in April 2017, requires all employers with an annual pay bill of £3m or more to pay 0.5% of their pay bill to invest in apprenticeship training.

For more information, visit the higher and degree vacancy listing on GOV.UK. More than 3,000 vacancies have been announced in the first tranche – further vacancies will be added to the listing as more employers come on board.